I feel ripped off! I feel like AMEX is ripping me off again and I feel like the Citi Card I just got for the purpose of the companion fare for my flights is also ripping me off! Note this was based on my buddy's recommendation - big thanks! ;-)
I feel ripped off!
So I am booking some flights for my June journey, specifically for the SMX Seattle event and I got nothing! I am taking Tamar with me, to help with the coverage. This is the perfect opportunity for a companion ticket.
It mets all the criteria AMEX and Citi Card set forth. The tickets are $299 or more. They are domestic. I, the card holder, is flying. Etc.
I first call AMEX travel. I am redirected to the special companion fare booking team. I give them the preferred flights I want to go on. They first hang up on me after me holding for about 15 minutes (no worries, I did two blog entries in that time). I call back, then learn that that flight is blacked out for those times... The only possible alternative is for me to leave the next day at 9am and land at 5pm - what! miss a whole day! Not going to happen.
I call Citi Card travel. They are quick to respond, which is nice. But the flight to Seattle is not eligible since there is a flight with several top overs that is less than $299. Of course I asked, but I want a direct flight and there are no direct flights for less than $299. He said, you are right, but the requirements are for any flight, no matter stop overs. Good bye!
I tried everything I could think of.
So I feel ripped off!
I booked the two tickets on AMEX's web site for full fare.
I feel ripped off.
Comments
We use AmEx rewards points. 24000 points = 1 flight on selected airlines. Never had a problem getting them to accept a flight on either of those airlines.
Posted by: Brian Mark | April 25, 2007 5:34 PM
Yea, I could have used AMEX points. But my point is that I was not able to use the companion fare thing.
Posted by: Barry Schwartz | April 25, 2007 5:41 PM
You’re missing out. The flights with a dozen or so stops are the best. These are called “FriendMaker Flights” Just imagine all the interesting people you would meet at every stop.
http://www.skyhighairlines.com/Radio_Spots/Friendmaker.mp3
An added bonus would be the “Random Gate Change Workout”.
http://www.skyhighairlines.com/Radio_Spots/GateChange.mp3
Make new friends & get a workout! What more could you want?
Posted by: Hawaii SEO | April 25, 2007 8:40 PM
Barry;
I commiserate with you. Just went through the same thing trying to book a flight to Israel with my AMEX points.
So many restrictions and Blackouts that it's a bad joke.
These guys are as bad as the Banks and Insurance companies.
Posted by: Barry G. | April 26, 2007 7:34 AM
BARRY-
U NOW KNOW NOT TO TRUST YOUR "BUDDY"
and you know he stinks ALSO IN DRIVING AND ADVICE
COmpaninon ticket taking tamar?? THE WIFE Jealous???
I AM!!!! TAKE ME
Posted by: NEVER TRUST THAT BUDDY | April 26, 2007 9:08 AM
Shows you what happens when you don't read the fine print.
I am totally not surprised that the Companion flights not blacked out are exactly the ones a traveling business person would avoid.....
Posted by: Leon Schwartz | April 27, 2007 4:29 PM
Umm, why did you book through AMEX if you are so disgruntled with them? If a company pisses you off, stop using their product. Next time try asking to be transfered to "Account Cancellations" when they give you the run around. Then cancel your card.
Posted by: Mr. Obvious | February 5, 2008 9:27 PM
totally agree. have tried to use the companion fare about 5 times over the last year and it has never worked. I was actually told most recently, that there is a minimum fare of $299 and a maximum fare of $299 - wow, thanks for working with me. Yes, I am now terminating my Platinum card.
Posted by: Rf | August 4, 2008 6:15 PM